Leftover makeovers: 13 dishes that’ll give your fridge survivors a glow-up

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Ever find yourself staring at a fridge full of leftovers with no idea what to do? Turn those odds and ends into something special with these recipes. These 13 leftover dishes that’ll give your fridge survivors a glow-up are designed to make the most of what you have. Each recipe is simple to follow and transforms yesterday’s meals into today’s delicious dinner. Save time, reduce waste, and enjoy tasty meals with these creative ideas.

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Steak & Potato Soup

Steak & Potato Soup in a black bowl.
Steak & Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got some leftover steak and not sure what to do with it? Why not transform it into a warming soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Steak & Potato Soup packs in all the comforting vibes you’re craving, making those leftovers feel completely new. It’s an easy solution that turns yesterday’s meal into today’s comfort!
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine giving those leftover bits from yesterday a completely new twist. You toss them all together in a dish, and magic happens. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the transformation they undergo, emerging as a hearty, family-pleasing meal. It’s comfort food with a leftover makeover badge, proving nothing in your fridge should ever be considered boring again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Leftover roast beef stroganoff on a plate with green beans in the background.
Leftover Roast Beef Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you find yourself with leftover roast beef, a stew is a perfect way to give it a new life. As everything simmers together, Leftover Roast Beef Stew emerges as a rich and hearty dish that feels entirely new. Ideal for those cooler days or when you need a dose of home-cooked comfort. It shows how leftovers can be the start of something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your remaining brisket into a savory dish that’s quick to prepare and satisfying. With Brisket Fried Rice, the smokey flavors of brisket meet the simplicity of fried rice, creating a dynamic meal out of basic leftovers. It’s an excellent way to add a twist to your dinner routine while using up what you have. This meal proves that even the simplest ingredients can be turned into a feast.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Have some rotisserie chicken that needs a makeover? Mix it into a fresh, lively pasta salad for a quick and fulfilling meal. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad revitalizes your leftovers with minimal effort, making for a great next-day lunch or light dinner. It’s proof that leftover chicken can be the star of a completely reinvented dish.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup

Two bowls of soup with ham, sausage, split peas and vegetables in them.
Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combine bits of ham and sausage from previous meals to whip up a comforting soup. Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup is a hearty, warming dish that brings together rich flavors in a nourishing way. It’s perfect for using up small amounts of meats while delivering a substantial meal. Enjoy how it makes every spoonful an enjoyable experience.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Upgrade your leftover chicken by adding it to a vibrant, curried salad. In this mix, Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins offers a deliciousl blend of flavors that make your previous dinner seem like a distant memory. It’s a great way to turn something simple into an exotic lunch that’s both refreshing and fulfilling. Simple ingredients, spectacular lunches!
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Give your leftover steak a spicy, cheesy new guise. Leftover Steak Quesadilla is just the dish for a quick and hearty meal that satisfies those Mexican food cravings with very little effort. It’s a perfect example of how something as simple as a quesadilla can transform basic leftovers into a meal you look forward to. Open your fridge and let leftovers surprise you.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take that leftover salmon and blend it into a light, flavorful pasta salad that is perfect for any time of year. Salmon Pasta Salad is a lovely way to make use of leftover fish, combining it with light pasta for a meal that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s all about maximizing flavors while keeping things simple. This is how you make leftovers exciting again.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup in two white bowls with garnishes nearby.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Don’t let that smoked chicken go to waste – bring it into a spicy, flavorful soup that packs a punch. Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup turns up the warmth with a recipe that’s both comforting and thrilling. It’s ideal for those times when you need a bit more than just warmth from your meal. Leftovers and creativity can indeed go hand in hand!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re wondering how to repurpose a small amount of pork tenderloin, think of a light appetizer with vibrant flavors. Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema combines leftover pork with a tangy crema on a crunchy base, providing an elegant way to enjoy what you’ve got. It’s a delicious entry into any meal or gathering, showing off your resourcefulness. Giving leftovers a glamorous twist has never been easier.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Two bowls of Turkey Pot Pie Soup with crackers and spoons.
Turkey Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing warms you up like a hearty soup, especially when it transforms your turkey leftovers into a sumptuous new experience. Turkey Pot Pie Soup takes the essence of a classic dish and turns it into a comforting soup form. It’s a clever and cozy way to make the most of what’s left from dinner. Every spoonful brings a taste of home.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover ham can become a star ingredient in your very own homemade fried rice. Ham Fried Rice is a great way to combine leftover meats and veggies into one delicious, satisfying dish. It’s quick, easy, and ensures nothing goes to waste while keeping dinner exciting. Transforming leftovers into such dishes shows the magic of a creative kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

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